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Three stand-out performers Newcastle should target from Euro 2016
This summer will be entering the unknown for Newcastle and their supporters, as their whole business plan has been torn up after relegation. Rafael Benitez has been handed the keys to the club, in what will be the greatest challenge of the career, but it could also be the most rewarding. He will be in control of all footballing matters, and is looking to bring in between 4-6 players to help his side bounce back at the first attempt.
Benitez possesses a great player knowledge across Europe, and will have an idea of the players he wants, but he is operating at a new level, and won’t be able to attract the very best – that much we know to be true.
The European Championships may have brought some players to his attention. Over the next few pages, the following three players are ones that I feel would be both realistic options for Newcastle, and ones that could greatly improve their promotion prospects next term. Let us know your thoughts on the selection in the comments below.
Jeff Hendrick
Rafael Benitez has made it clear that he wants to add some Championship experience to his squad, as he has acknowledged the challenges that the division brings. However, these players must be good enough to make
the step up, if Newcastle achieve the promotion they desire, and Derby’s Jeff Hendrick is certainly a player that ticks both criteria.
He has been a part of a good Derby squad over the last few seasons, and can be deployed as a holding midfielder, or one with a bit more licence to go forwards. The Irishman played his best football under Steve McClaren, scoring seven and assisting nine during the 2014/15 campaign.
At the age of 24, he has his best years still ahead of him, and is already one of the better midfielders in the second tier of English football. He carries the ball well, and has a good shot on him, as is evidenced by some of the pearlers that he has scored during his time at Derby.
Hendrick has the ability to grab matches by the scruff of the neck and make things happen, while he is also capable of picking out team-mates when they are making runs into dangerous areas.
It would be surprising if he doesn’t one day play in the top flight, and after a man of the match performance against Sweden, he may be a player that is on the radar of Newcastle.